The forewings are broader than those of most other noctuids, and blackish with a network of fine white lines. The pattern is supposedly reminiscent of some elements of Gothic architecture. The hindwings are grey. The species flies at night in June and July in the British Isles. It sometimes comes to light but is not generally strongly attracted. By contrast, it is strongly attracted to sugar and flowers.

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This species has a wingspan of 36 to 46 mm. Forewing brownish fuscous, the veins pale;edges of the upper stigmata whitish; the cell blackish; lines pale with dark edges; hindwing brownish fuscous.The form issyca Püng, from Issykkul is redder, and has the termen less crenulate. — brunnea Tutt has the ground colour ochreous brown with the veins pale ochreous instead of white.[1]